Hawthorne Hills Newsletter -- March 2002
www.hawthornehills.org

EMAIL NEWSLETTER NOW AVAILABLE
If you would like to begin receiving future issues of this newsletter as an email, just send a note to kthul@hotmail.com with "NEWSLETTER" in the subject line. You will still receive the paper newsletter as well, but will have the option to discontinue receiving the mailed version later this year.

BRUSH DISPOSAL
Brush and bulk waste crews work independently from the garbage crews and do NOT have a set collection day. Due to the inconsistency of volume throughout the year, an exact day and time for collection can not be determined.  If you have brush or bulk items to dispose of, please remember City Code prohibits any items being placed directly on the street. All items to be collected must be placed between the curb and sidewalk area in front of your residence.


MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS...
Unfortunately, there are still some cases of vandalism and theft taking place in several subdivisions in our area. Please remember to lock your
doors and cars and keep your garage door closed at all times.  If you are the victim of vandalism or any kind of theft, please report the incident to
the Bloomington Police Department.

If you have an item you would like included in the next newsletter, contact any board member.

The covenants and bylaws for Hawthorne Hills are now available on our website.


PLAY GROUP INFORMATION
The Hawthorne play group meets most Wednesdays, alternating mornings (9:30 - 11:30) and afternoons (12:30-2:30). Volunteers take turns hosting play groups at their homes or we meet at different places around town. Its a great chance for kids to play with their neighbors and moms to chat.

All are welcome! Call Melissa Santiago for information or schedule at 661-9473.


REAL ESTATE NEWS - by Mary Lou Gold
How is Hawthorne Hills doing in the current marketplace? Our subdivision has held up very well despite all of the new construction around us. The following table summarizes the activity from March 8, 2001 to March 8, 2002 for 52 properties listed in Hawthorne Hills (excluding villaminiums):

Active listings
NUMBER OF UNITS - 9
AVG. LIST PRICE - $363,000
AVG. DAYS ON MARKET - 102

Closed listings
NUMBER OF UNITS - 32
AVG. LIST PRICE - $405,000
AVG. DAYS ON MARKET - 294
AVG. SALE PRICE - $385,000

Pending
NUMBER OF UNITS - 5
AVG. LIST PRICE - $359,380
AVG. DAYS ON MARKET - 112

Withdrawn - 2. Expired - 4

Source: Bloomington/Normal Multiple Listing Service. These figures are averaged and a six-month analysis would produce a different set of
statistics.  For more specific information contact a real estate professional.

MAKING PEACE WITH GEESE - by Mary Lou Gold

Geese love our habitat - quick access to a waterfront and acres of bluegrass.  Geese breed prolifically and set up territories they defend
aggressively.  Naturalists claim that feeding geese upsets the natural migration patterns.  They have no reason to migrate if there is no need to
forage for food in colder months.  Geese also choose to raise their families where food is plentiful.  When birds or possums feed regularly in our
neighborhood, they learn to depend on us and can lose their feeding skills in the wild.   Experts recommend we let nature feed itself.

Following are some suggestions for those folks not interested in entertaining and cleaning up after our growing flock of geese:

· Do not feed the geese

· Increase the height of shoreline vegetation (dense hedges, stiff grasses, or shrubs at least a yard high)

· Shoreline strips of rocky rubble make it more difficult for geese to come ashore from the water

· Early spring is nesting time!  Mylar helium balloons with eyes painted on them scare geese, so does half-inch strips of mylar or ribbon

· Goose repellents - not poison, but taste and smell bad.  Only one is certified to use on turf and lawns - ReJex-iT (R)

Sources: Bush Walking Magazine, Wisconsin Natural Resources Magazine, Wildlife Damage Control


HAWTHORNE TRIVIA (answers below Board of Directors list)

1. How many houses and villaminiums are in the Hawthorne Hills Homeowners' Association?

2. What street was the first home built on in Hawthorne Hills?

3. Why is there a boat on the Hawthorne Hills letterhead?


HOMEOWNERS' BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Eitan Weltman, President   663-0223
Colleen Curran, Vice Pres. and  Park Representative  662-9540
Pat Johnson, Treasurer   663-8046
Mary Lou Gold, Secretary   662-4210
John Olson, Directory   663-8944
Kelly Thul, Newsletter/Website  662-5042
Dick Olson, Condo Rep.   662-1814
Jim Fruin, Lake Representative  662-1197
Ray Straw, Member at Large   662-7786

Board meetings are held the first or second Tuesday of each month. Feel free to contact any board member with items, questions, or complaints for the agenda. Complaints should be in written form. They will be held in confidence and responded to in writing.  We welcome your input.

( Trivia answers: 1- 302, 2 - Stoney Court,  3- We have no idea )

HAWTHORNE HILLS HOMEOWNERS' ASSOCIATION
PO Box 202, Bloomington IL
61702-0202